23 #3
Jasper’s heart nearly jumped out of his chest when Estevin suddenly looked his way, catching him in an intense stare he did not even realize he had been holding for how long.
Estevin’s laughter gradually faded, replaced by a keen, unreadable expression.
Jasper watched his brows knit together, and unease settled in his chest. He did not know why his face was pasted on, challenging his stare.
Jasper was convinced Estevin hated him, just from the way he looked at him.
Even though they had never spoken a single word to each other, he could feel that intense hostility directed at him, as if it were enough to seep through him.
He knew things between Estevin and his brother were not good.
He had witnessed their frequent fights and rivalry.
A sudden fear crept into him. The thought that Estevin might come after him next, maybe even hurt him out of revenge, until he was left lifeless.
Jasper’s phone suddenly rang, pulling him out of his thoughts and breaking his fixed connection. He quickly reached into his pocket and took it out, silently grateful for the interruption. Czyra’s name appeared on the screen.
“Hey!” Jasper raised his voice, trying to be heard over the loud chatter of the students he had not noticed while he was spacing out.
“Look at your back,” she said.
There stood Czyra, one hand gripping the strap of her black JanSport backpack, the other holding a phone to her ear. She rolled her eyes at him before breaking into a smile. She was a bit of a weirdo, but still, Jasper could not help but smile back.
“Hey,” she greeted as she approached Jasper.
“Hey,” Jasper replied, quickly pushing aside the thoughts he had earlier.
As he often reminded himself, he was good at hiding what he felt for Estevin. He did not even glance back anymore and led Czyra to a spot where he could no longer see him.
“Do you have any idea what today’s announcement is about?” Jasper asked, curiosity rising in him.
The school rarely held gatherings like this, and whenever it did, it usually meant something important.
“No idea,” she replied with a slight shake of her head. “Where’s Jude? I can’t get a hold of him.”
“I don’t know either. I was even looking for my brother. He’s not been home since yesterday,” said Jasper.
“Maybe they are just somewhere in the crowd. I’m pretty curious what this goddamn thing is about, too,” she said as they both looked at the front.
The crowd quieted as the University President came into view, his measured steps carrying him toward the podium.
Jasper rarely saw the old folk around campus, and that alone was enough to convince him that whatever was about to be said was important.
He cleared his throat, and the intimidating presence he carried completely silenced the students.
“Students of Lindaville University, you may be wondering why there’s a sudden gathering today, but I only have an important matter to discuss,” he announced, skipping any formal greetings as he immediately shifted into a serious tone.
“One of our senior high school students has been absent from class for a week. I will not disclose the student’s name for confidentiality purposes,” he said heavily.
“The parents came to my office to report the incident, claiming that their son became involved with drugs here in our school. The police are currently investigating, and there have also been reports that another senior high school student may have been involved in this matter.”
He paused to take a deep breath, trying to contain his frustration as murmurs immediately spread throughout the crowd.
“I truly believed the drug issue had already been eliminated before, but it seems I was wrong all along. What exactly do you think you’re doing?
Instead of focusing on your studies, you’re ruining your own future,” he said keenly.
“Let me remind you—this is not a place for illegal business or violence, for heaven’s sake.
This is a school! Do your parents even know the kind of things you’ve been involved in?
You’ve damaged the reputation of this institution, a reputation my family has protected since my great-great-grandfather’s time. I can’t believe this is happening.”
His anger was beginning to surface, and it was clear he was struggling to keep his temper under control.
If he cared about reputation, then he should have maintained the security protocols he had established two years ago, Jasper thought.
“Starting today, stricter security measures will be implemented. We will enforce tighter rules and regulations and begin conducting intervention programs throughout the school. Every morning, your bags will be inspected. Your lockers will be checked regularly, as well as the dormitories. I will call all your parents as well,” he announced firmly, forcing himself to stay composed even though his expression revealed his frustration.
“This will be the last time I address the issue of drugs because I will make sure that whoever is behind all of this will be caught. Mark my words. Now, go to your classes!” he declared, his voice echoing through the area and leaving Jasper feeling uneasy.
Only one thought suddenly crossed his mind.
His brother.